BrightHouse will open a new unit in Ebbw Vale this week, but concerns are still raised about lack of jobs available in the area

More than 240 people applied for just six new jobs at a retail store in Ebbw Vale.

Rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse is set to open the new 2,000 sq ft unit in the town this week, but some believe the high competition for jobs highlights the economic problems in the area.

The store at The Walk Retail Centre will open its doors on Thursday, with two days of family fun planned to welcome new customers.

A grand opening will also take place on Saturday.

The successful six candidates were chosen from a final shortlist of 50 people – but more than 240 application forms were originally sent in for the posts.

Store manager Adam Saunders said: “It’s been exciting to get to know our chosen six colleagues after so many people applied for the roles.

“We’ve got a great team in place who I’m confident will provide first class customer service to the Ebbw Vale community.”

Sales advisor Mark Whittle, one of the new employees, added: “I couldn’t believe how tough the competition was for the positions, and I’m really pleased to be joining the new store at the heart of the community I live in.

“We’ve just finished two weeks of training in customer service and sales, and now we can’t wait to get into the store and start getting to know our local customers.”

He said: “Hundreds of people applying for just six jobs in Ebbw Vale demonstrate two things. Firstly, talk of an economic recovery from the Westminster parties is misplaced.

“The economic figures for the UK as a whole mask the imbalanced nature of the so-called recovery.

“Secondly, those same Westminster politicians often claim that the unemployed in places like Blaenau Gwent are work-shy and are themselves responsible for unemployment. But the hundreds of applicants who applied for just half a dozen jobs in Ebbw Vale prove that this is nonsense.

“We cannot keep putting all our economic eggs in the booming London basket.”

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